SYOTATSU
Tatsuya Kawai, or Syotatsu (b. 1982, Wakayama, Japan) makes expressive paintings guided by the climate and spirituality of the land from his studio in Wakayama. Trained at Kyoto University of the Arts, Syotatsu was first introduced to the art of portraiture at the age of nineteen on the streets of Kyoto, where he met the many people who inspired an evolution of his style. Upon moving back to Wakayama, Syotatsu became increasingly observant of the beauty and divinity of the rural landscape that would become the signature symbol of his paintings, and he has remained there as he hones and masters his practice.
Syotatsu’s name was suggested to him by a friend who thought he should have a painter’s name, rather than using his real name. When asked what is most important for Syotatsu when painting portraits, he answered “smiling faces” – so the friend then took “Syo” (smile) and “Tatsu” from his given name to create his painter name.
Process
SYOTATSU AT HOME IN WAKAYAMA, JAPAN
THE MOUNTAINOUS LOCATION OF SOYTATSU'S STUDIO ENABLES HIM TO CONNECT WITH NATURE "FROM MORNING UNTIL WE SLEEP"
PLANKS OF FOUND WOOD FROM THE LOCAL AREA ARE OFTEN USED AS CANVASES FOR SYOTATSU'S EXPRESSIVE VISIONS
SYOTATSU USES HIS HANDS TO CREATE ORGANIC SHAPES AND DISTINCTIVE TEXTURES
SYOTATSU MIXES LOCAL SOIL INTO TRADITIONAL PAINTING MATERIALS SUCH AS INDIGO
Works
A Bird that Carries the Moon
2023
Soil, Japanese ink, bengala (red iron oxide) and gold dust on vintage fabric and wooden panel
36"H x 24.5"W x 1"D
SY34
Anima
2023
Soil, Japanese ink, gold dust on vintage box
26"H x 19.5"W x 13"D
SY20
Anima
2023
Soil, Japanese ink and soot on Japanese paper and wooden panel
49.5"H x 35.75"W x 1"D
SY31
Blessing Toward the Moon
2023
Soil, Japanese ink and indigo on Japanese paper and wooden panel
20.75"H x 13.5"W x 1"D
SY26
Blessing Toward the Moon
2023
Soil, Japanese ink and indigo on Japanese paper and wooden panel
21"H x 13.5"W x 0.75"D
SY27
Blessing Toward the Sky
2023
Soil, Japanese ink and indigo on Japanese paper and wooden panel
21"H x 13.5"W x 1"D
SY22
Blessing
2023
Soil, Japanese ink and indigo on Japanese paper and wooden panel
25.75"H x 23.75"W x 1"D
SY21
Chorus
2023
Soil, oil, Japanese ink, gold dust on reclaimed wood
40"H x 30.75"W x 9.75"D
SY18
Dance of Light and Shadow
2023
37"H x 24.75"W x 1"D
SY29
Embrace the Star
2022
Soil, watercolor paint, sumi and lime on vintage frame
13"H x 11"W x 0.5"D
Embrace
2022
Soil, sumi and indigo on Japanese paper and wooden panel
35.75"H x 24.75"W x 0.75"D
Embrace
2022
Soil, sumi and indigo on Japanese paper and wooden panel
35.75"H x 24.75"W x 0.75"D
Exhibitions
SYOTATSU
UBUSUNA
SEPT 13 - OCT 21, 2023
GUILD GALLERY NEW YORK